Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

• Published: 11/22/25
• Updated: 11/10/25

AC leaking water inside the home is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. While it may start as a slow drip, it can quickly turn into serious water damage, mold growth, or even system failure.

At Wilson’s Refrigeration and Air, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the Midlands fix this exact issue, and prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether you notice a puddle near your inside AC unit or water marks on your ceiling, it’s important to act fast.

Let’s take a look at the most common cause and how to solve it before that leak becomes a bigger problem.

Clogged AC Drain Line Inside Your House 

One of the most common causes of an AC leaking water is a problem with the air conditioner drain line inside the house. More specifically, a clog. Your AC system doesn’t just cool the air; it also removes humidity. That moisture condenses on the evaporator coil and drains into a pan, then flows out of your home through the condensate drain line.

Over time, this line can become blocked with dust, mold, algae, or debris… especially in humid climates like South Carolina. When that happens, water has nowhere to go and begins to back up into your home, often pooling near the inside AC unit or dripping through ceiling vents.

Signs of a clogged condensate drain line include:

• Water around the air handler or in the drain pan
• Musty odors from your vents
• Intermittent system shutoffs caused by a triggered float switch
• Visible water damage on ceilings or walls

The good news? With routine maintenance from Wilson’s Refrigeration and Air, clogs like this can be easily prevented. Our team checks for early signs of blockage and ensures your system’s drainage is flowing freely, so you don’t get stuck with unexpected leaks or damage.

Is Water Dripping from AC Dangerous?

In short: yes… if left untreated.

A small leak might seem harmless, but even a few ounces of water can warp flooring, stain drywall, and create an environment ripe for mold and mildew. Plus, many inside AC units are located in attics or crawl spaces, where leaks often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

If your drain pan is overflowing or cracked, the unit may continue to operate while slowly soaking insulation, ceilings, or subflooring. This can result in:

• Costly home repairs
• Poor indoor air quality
• Electrical issues or short circuits

That’s why Wilson’s Refrigeration and Air always encourages homeowners to schedule service at the first sign of a leak, even if the system is still cooling.

Prevent Water Leaks Before They Start

The best way to avoid a leaking air conditioner is regular maintenance. Our HVAC professionals can:

• Clean and flush the AC drain line
• Inspect or replace the drain pan
• Check refrigerant levels (low refrigerant can cause coil freezing and excess condensation)
• Verify proper installation and drainage slope
• Ensure the inside AC unit is free from rust or corrosion

All of this is included in our Preventative Maintenance Plans, designed to catch small issues before they become major repairs.

We also recommend adding an iFlo Pro solution as a proactive layer of protection. This smart device not only detects leaks and automatically shuts off your system to prevent water damage, but also helps stop clogs before they form. It’s an easy, hands-off way to protect your system, prevent costly water damage, and keep your AC running at peak efficiency all year long.

Don’t Let a Small Leak Turn Into a Big Problem

Whether you need a quick repair, a full system check, or seasonal maintenance, trust Wilson’s Refrigeration and Air to get the job done right, fast, honest, and backed by decades of HVAC expertise.

Contact us today or schedule service online before the leak gets worse.